Cronulla Sharks junior Chad Townsend has signed a two-year deal to return home to Sutherland Shire.
The club confirmed the signing on Tuesday morning, July 7.
Townsend secured a release from the final year of his contract with the New Zealand Warriors.
A Yarrawarrah Tigers product, Townsend played in the Sharks juniors representative system before making his NRL debut in 2011.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said he was pleased to welcome the 24-year-old back to the club.
‘‘It will be good to have Chad back on deck next year,” he said.
“He left looking for greater opportunity and has matured over the past two seasons.
‘‘He has been in career best form this year.
“It is also great to have one of our local juniors returning to the club and we certainly look forward to having him back.”
A Junior Kangaroos captian in 2011, Townsend played 19 first grade games for Cronulla before leaving for the Warriors.
He led the Sharks NSW Cup team to a premiership in 2013.